The comic has come under serious criticism for his new show Derek, which follows the lives of patients and staff in a care home.

He has only released one pilot episode and now Channel 4 are screening an entire series, which also stars Karl Pilkington, 40.

But Ricky, 51, who writes and produces the show as well as playing Derek, says he expects to get grief from snooty critics who love to hate him.

Speaking to the Daily Star, he said: “I’m always aware when I launch a new show, I feel like I’m landing at Normandy. I can hear the bullets.

"But you’ve still got to open the door.You’ve got to ignore the comments, good or bad. You can’t second guess what people think, what’s the point? Everything I have done has polarised people but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Rather than tone down his humour when he filmed the series, Ricky says the criticism spurred him on.

He added: “It only makes me more determined to do it, if anything.

“I never worry about whether people won’t like it because they don’t get it. You can’t legislate against stupidity.”

Critics quickly labelled Ricky’s lead character Derek as disabled and claimed he was mocking British TV fans who have disabilities themselves.

Ricky has fiercely denied their suggestions and doesn’t consider the character disabled, just “different from the rest of us”.

And he reckons we should all be more like Derek.

Ricky, who claims Derek is the favourite character he has played, added: “Superheroes fight evil and in Derek I wanted to create a superhero who leads by example.

“He’s terrified by spiders but would never harm one.

“Derek is so non-judgmental but he sees through the bullsh** too.

“He is the best person I know. He’s better than all of us.

“He’s funny and sweet and kind and sincere and helpful and honest, and that trumps everything he isn’t. I love Derek.”